Drew Dober vs. Paddy Pimblett? Fans would probably love it, but Dober doesn’t think that fight will happen anytime soon.
One of the most potent knockout artists in the lightweight division, Dober fights Bobby Green this Saturday on the main card portion of UFC Vegas 66. A win over Green would give Dober three straight wins, his best streak of success since 2020, and put him into position for a big name matchup next year.
At UFC Vegas 66 media day this past Wednesday, Dober was asked for his thoughts on fighting the popular Paddy Pimblett and he explained why they’re unlikely to cross paths.
“No, the UFC will not let me fight him,” Dober said. Let’s face it, we saw his last fight and know exactly what I can do. It would be great fun. I just want to fight in London at that O2 Arena, so if Paddy says ‘yes’ I’m all for it, but we all know that we’ve got Dana, the UFC, and all those guys, they won’t let that happen.”
Pimblett is one of UFC’s most controversial stars. Some fans flock to him for his bratty personality, back-and forth scraps, and other critics dismiss his legitimacy as a competitor in the lightweight loaded division.
The controversy surrounding Pimblett was only heightened by the narrow victory of Pimblett over Jared Gordon. This bout saw many in the MMA world calling it a robbery.
Dober didn’t want to offer his own score of the fight until he’s had a chance to rewatch it, but he did suggest that Gordon had a higher hill to climb than it seemed.
“My view on this whole matter is that there’s something to starpower in the judges’ decisions,” Dober stated. We’re looking at octagon control, effectiveness, and all the other things, but star power is something that you have to get past, so when fighting someone as powerful as Paddy, you need to be able to throw more than five punches .”
Dober doesn’t want to just fight to climb up the ranks and get the chance to refer to a larger name. With a knockout, he’ll tie Dustin Poirier for the most finishes via strikes by a lightweight (8) in UFC history.
The numbers Dober puts up are a testament to both his high-octane style and desire to stay as active as possible, something that won’t change for him no matter who his next opponent is.
” My goal is to fight three times a year. I would prefer more but it’s not my priority. “I kind of just dismissed this idea, requesting ranked opponents and this and that. I just want exciting fights. I’m not trying to sneak my way up the ladder. To make loud noises, I don’t want to steal the ladder. I wouldn’t turn down an unranked fight .”
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Watch Drew Dober’s UFC Vegas 66 media day appearance here, courtesy of Cageside Press:
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/16/23512727/drew-dober-doesnt-expect-to-get-paddy-pimblett-fight-the-ufc-will-not-let-me-fight-him?rand=96749
